LANDOVER, Md.—Kirk Cousins was a smart draft pick for the Washington Redskins, especially when you consider some of the poor excuses for NFL quarterbacks.

The Arizona Cardinals have a flat-out embarrassing quarterback situation, losing 58-0 to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. John Skelton and Ryan Lindley are the kind of quarterbacks that get coaches and general managers fired.

Griffin set up the Redskins’ 31-28 overtime victory over the Baltimore Ravens, but Cousins closed it in style after Griffin left late in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan knew Griffin was special, but Shanahan also wanted another young quarterback to groom.

Cousins is that guy.

"You always want your second team quarterback prepared—just like it’s the first-team quarterback," Shanahan said. "He’s done that since he’s been here. His preparation has been great throughout the whole year. He went in there and didn’t miss a beat."

The Redskins (7-6) have won four straight and are a serious playoff threat. An MRI Sunday night revealed Griffin has no serious ligament damage, just a knee sprain. But even if he can't play Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, having Cousins gives the Redskins a decent chance to win their fifth straight.

Cousins saved Sunday’s game for the Redskins after entering the game with less than a minute to play in regulation and the Redskins trailing by eight points. He hit Leonard Hankerson for a 15-yard completion. Then Cousins hit Pierre Garcon for an 11-yard touchdown pass.

Cousins tied the game by scoring on a quarterback draw for a two-point conversion. A long punt return by Richard Crawford set up Kai Forbath’s game-winning field goal in overtime. When it was over, Cousins shared the spotlight with Griffin, who had another superb game (15-for-26, one TD).

"I can’t say that I’m surprised, he is a tremendous athlete, tremendous talent," Cousins said of Griffin. "He was the Heisman Trophy winner, the second overall pick in the draft for a reason, and on top of all that he is a great leader. I think it’s encouraging to watch a quarterback master this offense, because you feel like you are in a place to succeed if your number does get called upon."

Many people criticized the Redskins for picking Cousins back in April. Didn’t they have more pressing needs? Wouldn’t Cousins make Griffin uncomfortable, setting the stage for a quarterback controversy if he faltered?

Neither has happened. While Griffin’s running ability makes him special, it also puts him in harm’s way. This was the second time Cousins relieved Griffin due to injury, and it probably won’t be the last. Look around the league, this year, or any year. How many teams have been ruined by an injury to the starting quarterback?

Having too many quarterbacks is like having too much money. Manage the situation properly, and there’s no problem.

That’s what the Redskins are doing. Shanahan and his son, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, have the quarterbacks they want to run their system. Griffin is the star. And Cousins knows his place as the understudy.

"Quarterbacks want to play for the Shanahans," Cousins said. "In that sense it’s a good position to be in and I am just trying to develop myself and have my career last as long as I can."

Griffin is doing the same, at a very high level. But seeing a slender quarterback like Griffin taking serious hits is concerning. Griffin is a gifted runner, but the Redskins have to wonder if he will have an injury-plagued career, running as much he has this season and getting hit so often.

You have to admire Griffin’s toughness. He limped off the field Sunday, then came back to complete two more passes on one leg before finally taking himself out. Toughness can lead to more trouble, however. Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger said he was shocked to see Griffin return after he left the first time.

"Yeah, that guy’s a fighter," Kruger said. "He came back in and tried to make it work."

The Redskins are making their quarterback situation work, with two talented rookies who should only get better. Having Cousins on Sunday paid off big time for the Redskins. If you are a Cardinals fan, you have to be jealous.